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I Want to be part of the change

Dr. Justina Seyi-Olajide brought her pediatric surgical expertise from Nigeria to Sierra Leone, becoming the first female African pediatric surgeon to volunteer with Mercy Ships.

Sector Medical
Location Tema, Ghana

Video

Video

Ghanaian nurse Hillary Acheampong brought her experience in emergency care aboard the Global Mercy™, using her skills to care for patients while continuing to grow as a healthcare professional.

  • As a preoperative nurse, Hillary is often one of the first people patients meet. For her, those moments are about more than preparing someone for surgery. They are an opportunity to listen, connect and help each person feel seen.

As a preoperative nurse, Hillary is often one of the first people patients meet. For her, those moments are about more than preparing someone for surgery. They are an opportunity to listen, connect and help each person feel seen.

A calling to care

Hillary's journey into nursing began while caring for her mother during cancer treatment. What started as something deeply personal became a profession and a desire to care for others.

After training in Ghana, she worked as an emergency nurse, caring for accident victims and patients needing urgent treatment.

I enjoy helping people. I enjoy knowing I was able to save a human being and my career is important to the world.
Hillary Acheampong · Preoperative Nurse · Ghana

Growing while giving

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Hillary's family initially wondered why she would step away from a growing nursing career in Ghana to volunteer. For Hillary, serving has become another part of that career.

Aboard, she has strengthened her nursing experience and earned Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications.

Could your nursing skills be part of the story?

You already have skills that can make a difference. Volunteering can also be an opportunity to learn, grow and work alongside healthcare professionals from around the world.

For Hillary, taking that step changed what she thought was possible.

“I would encourage anybody who wants to experience it to come on board. You're going to enjoy the community life, meet people, and get new skills.”

Volunteer your skills

Meet the Crew Behind the Ship